This blog will host viewpoints by the editor on various topics, as well as information for the Farwell-Hoffman-Kensington-Donnelly-Herman-Norcross, Minnesota area residents and families, and anyone else on the world-wide web who has an interest in the success and growth of the west central Minnesota area. Farwell, Kensington, Hoffman, Donnelly, Herman, and Norcross are west central Minnesota towns located between the larger towns of Alexandria, Glenwood, Morris, and Elbow Lake.

Friday, December 26, 2008

A.P. news story: "Lower enrollment means less dollars for schools"

The Associated Press - Friday, December 26, 2008ST. PAUL, Minn.

School enrollment keeps falling in Minnesota, and with it schools will have to do with fewer dollars from the state.

Educators attribute the lower numbers of students to a tough housing market, an aging population and a lower birth rate. Statewide, 90 percent of school districts should see declining enrollment by next year, according to a 2006 analysis by the state House of Representatives.

The state of Minnesota is facing a huge budget deficit next year, and the governor and lawmakers are expected to reduce revenue to Minnesota schools by about $22 million.

Many districts are facing budget deficits of their own, and most will deal with them through budget cuts.